"I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning."-J. B. PriestleyMorning has arrived in full splendor. We were excited to see the beautiful sunrise this morning. It adds energy to the day. Not that we need much energy. The weekend is just about here and that will make for a lot of activity around the lodge. All though, yesterday was quite active. The cooler temperatures are bringing hikers out of the woods and into the dining room where the hot chocolate is flowing. The high yesterday was 59º with a low of 43º. It is going to be a fantastic weekend to day hike to the top and you don't even have to worry about missing a football game. Having been up here for 12 years, I have seen a lot. I do not recall meeting a 2 year old who can claim to have hiked the entire Alum Cave trail on their own. Well, I can now. Kira Mayhew tackled the trail with her dad and sister in tow. I got a glimpse of the competitive future of the family when her parents told me her sister hiked the entire way at the age of three. The hike took 8 hours and there was even a 40 minute hammock nap in the mix. I think I will take cue and start adding a hammock nap into my hikes up and down the mountain. That sounds delightful. Way to go Kira. I wonder what other records you will you tackle when you get older. She didn't have much to say to me this morning, she was busy carbo loading for the trip down.

Claudette

8/15/2014 01:37:55 am

Now that is impressive! Way go Kira. Thanks for sharing.

Brian

8/15/2014 02:07:25 am

That is awesome! I was so proud of my youngest last month when he made the Alum Cave hike at age 4 - insisting he carry his backpack the whole way as well - a 2-year-old is incredible! Way to go! And way to go Mom and Dad!

Jan

8/15/2014 02:28:07 am

This brings back such memories. Our youngest and his cousin hiked LeConte 26 years ago at age 3. They were both so tired they fell asleep at dinner. I guess we instilled a love of hiking because he hiked the AT several years ago. LeConte continues to be a very precious place and many precious memories for our entire family.

Marie

8/15/2014 03:41:50 am

Our grandson made his first trip at 3 and hiked Alum Cave Trail all the way only to stop just past the slide below Cliff Tops and declare it was naptime. He just made his 3rd hike on Aug 5 and wants to do it again.

Paul B

8/15/2014 03:50:11 am

Quite impressive to get a two year old to walk anywhere. I must have done something wrong with my children. I like the idea of a hammock nap along the way. I could use one about 5 miles into Rainbow to recharge for the final push up that relentless incline.

Brian N bama

8/15/2014 04:19:26 am

So glad families are getting out in the woods with their children at a young age, I only wish that I had gotten the "bug" earlier in life so that I could have spent the early years hiking with my kids....GET EM OFF THE COUCH AND ON THE TRAIL!!!!!!!!
Allyson, I hope to get up there sooner than later....have a blessed day.

That really is amazing and I am a little jealous of those kids. I wish my parents had taken me on way more hikes. Also amazing sunrise picture!

Sandy Arden

8/15/2014 08:59:46 am

What a blessing to live here among our beautiful mountains!! I am from here & traveled many places,in 49 of 50 states & abroad,but these mtns.are so special,always new places & things to discover!!!! Thanks to all of you who help take care & appreciate these great Smoky Mtns!! Keep those pics coming & info,too!!!

Woody

8/15/2014 10:37:59 am

Way to go Kira!! This is a record that will be long-standing - perhaps for ever. Hopefully she can make the hike when she is 102. Our oldest daughter hiked all the way in 6 hrs - 37 min when she was 3 years and 2 months. Girls at that age seem to be tougher than boys or perhaps are more focused or more stubborn or are less prone to become bored or.....

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LeConte Lodge

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